Less than a week after an Energy Transfer pipeline exploded near the Waha Gas Processing Plant in Coyanosa, Texas, the Dallas-based energy company is facing new scrutiny in connection with two of its most recent pipeline projects.
800 State and Federal Citations Issued During Mariner East 2 and Rover Pipeline Construction
According to Reuters, state and federal regulators cited Energy Transfer and its Sunoco subsidiary more than 800 times while its massive Mariner East 2 and Rover pipelines were under construction.
To put this figure in perspective, Reuters noted that four comparable pipeline projects undertaken by other companies averaged just 19 violations each during construction.
The Mariner East 2 and Rover pipelines are two of the largest natural gas pipelines in the United States. The Rover Pipeline meanders 713 miles through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Canada. Once operational, it will transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of fracked natural gas on a daily basis.
Coming in at 360 miles, the Mariner East 2 Pipeline will carry 275,000 barrels of liquid petroleum products each day from the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania to the Atlantic coast.
Most of the violations that occurred during their construction involved drilling-fluid spills, sinkholes that appeared in residents’ backyards, and improper disposal of hazardous waste.
Taken together, the fines stemming from those violations exceed $15 million.
Energy Transfer Has Spotty Record at Other Pipelines
Energy Transfer operates tens of thousands of miles of pipeline across the United States, including the infamous Dakota Access Pipeline. According to Reuters, the company also has a relatively high incidence of hazardous spills and other issues.
From 2010 through 2017, for example, Energy Transfer’s Sunoco subsidiary ranked third on the list of pipeline companies with the most federally-reported incidents.
During the same period, pipelines operated by Energy Transfer and its affiliates released more than 41,000 barrels of hazardous liquids. Property damage associated with those spills exceeded $100 million.
Two Energy Transfer Pipeline Explosions Since September
In addition to spills and sinkholes, two Energy Transfer pipelines have exploded in the past several months.
The most recent occurred last Friday, when a 24-inch pipeline blew up just outside the Energy Transfer Waha Gas Processing Plant in Coyanosa, Texas.
The Coyanosa explosion set off a massive fire and injured two contract workers.
Less than three months earlier, heavy rains and shifting earth ignited a fiery explosion along a section of the company’s Revolution Pipeline in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.
Although no one was injured, the explosion destroyed three structures, including a house. Authorities also evacuated two dozen nearby homes.
Energy Transfer built the Revolution Pipeline to supply Mariner East 2 and Rover. The company activated the line just one week before the Pennsylvania explosion.
Were You or Someone You Love Injured in an Energy Transfer Pipeline Explosion or Accident? Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here For a Free Consultation with Our Undefeated Pipeline Explosion Lawyers.
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